Price : $1399

Now that the 29er is established as a remarkable full suspension platform, many brands are choosing to up the length of its suspension in order to give the rider more options for all-mountain style riding. If you are an expert, that is great news because more of the trail just opened up. If you are a beginner, then get the right bike the first time; more travel means more forgiveness should you make a mistake, even while riding fabled and technical singletrack. If you know you want your mountain bike to do a little bit of everything, but you want it to do those little bits very well, then the Fuji Reveal 29 1.3 D Mountain bike would be an excellent choice.

The Reveal series utilizes Fuji's proprietary Altair A6 SL aluminum tubing on an FSR suspension platform. Made of 6066 aluminum, Altair 6 has a high yield value (increased strength), and an ultra-light, butted tube profile that boasts increased wall thicknesses in high-stress areas and shaves material where it's not needed. The result is a ride with a spritely-feel, but doesn't compromise on strength, rigidity and agility. Thanks to the FSR suspension, the Reveal delivers more control, comfort and efficiency to every ride by isolating chain torque and brake loads. The FSR design is independent of brake forces, so it's free to compress and rebound over terrain features whether you're braking or not; allowing the tires to maintain contact with the ground a greater percentage of the time. The rear brake and drivetrain are decoupled on "floating" seatstays, keeping the FSR suspension active under braking to provide maximum control when it's most needed. Maximum control means greater traction. Finally, the FSR drivetrain is independent of the suspension, so pedal stroke is not affected. Chain torque won't engage the suspension, so as a rider puts effort into the pedals the bike will propel forward, not up and down.

Suspension is a tricky thing. Even with FSR technology at work on your behalf, the right fork and shock are pivotal to overall comfort and performance. The RockShox Sektor RL and Monarch RL (rebound and lockout controls) are a perfect match for the Reveal. The Sektor RL features Rock Shox's Motion Control damping and new Dual Position Coil, which will transform your downhill charge into smooth riding and your uphill slog into a more manageable task. The ultra-stiff 32mm aluminum upper tubes, 15mm thru-axle and 130mm of travel is epic. Even when the trail is strewn with obstacles, the Sektor RL is responsive and agile.

A custom mix of Shimano Deore/XT/SLX components are race-ready and incredibly efficient. The 38/24 SLX 2x10 crankset is race optimized and features a lighter weight thanks to the Hollowtech II design. The SLX shift levers are of course matched to a set of powerful SLX M675 hydraulic disc brakes with 180/180mm rotors. Finally, the Shadow Plus construction of the XT rear derailleur avoids trail snagging and keeps shifting performance consistent.